Liberals, how is it you feel that banning flag burning would be in violation of free speech...?

Question

But the fairness doctrine is fine and dandy? How can you say flag burning (which isn't even speech) is protected and yet this Fairness Doctrine (which FORCES talk radio personalities to change their shows) isn't violating host's right to free speech?

I know some of you will say "why are you afraid of a debate?". Well I'm not in any shape or form, but if the left wants some time on the radio, maybe they should put out someone interesting enough to get the ratings. Until then, don't you think they should stop trying to get a chair on conservative shows?

Libs keep defending free speech. What about the damn Fairness Doctrine? Reasonably defend it, if you can!

Answer 1

Hard as it is, I have to agree with you on this one. To have real substance on a talk show, you have to allow anyone to really express their views. When they have two opposing views on at the same time, it always reduces the discussion to a shouting match between the two, and nothing gets said. That is a formula for failure in the interview setting. As for flag burning, the flag, an honored symbol of this nation, burning it does nothing to the country, for it is only a cloth with an image on it. Burning the cloth with the image is an expression of dissatisfaction with the present administration's policy, and is a statement of opinion. It is important for any opinion holder to allow anything to be said about his opinion, even burning the flag, for that affirms his right to hold his own opinion against all comers. For in our history there is the freedom affirming statement "I may not agree with what you say, but, I will fight to the death for your right to say it."

Answer 2

Is this question about flag burning or the Fairness Doctrine? Pick one, instead of blurring the two together.

The flag issue is basic, and very American. We have a right to dissent, and buring the flag is one of the most extreme methods. But to outlaw flag buring would make us fascist. "Just as war is freedom's cost, disagreement is freedom's privilege."

No needs to support flag burning; indeed, that's kinda the point. But to make it illegal? That should be opposed by every true patriot.

The flag represents the right to burn it. Period. If you don't understand that, spend some time learning about the First Amendment. And maybe reconsider all those events surrounding the Boston Tea Party.

As for the Fairness Doctrine, that's really a red herring, no? It has not been enforced since the late 1980s. Try picking something to counter balance the flag issue with that an issue that has teeth. That actually affects people.

Answer 3

It's likely some of both, although probably more conservatives. Most people I know (on both sides of the spectrum) feel that it's an idiotic idea to ban that, so the overall percentage seems to be small anyways. I actually had this discussion last night. We ended up with the conclusion, should be legal, but don't expect people to not react negatively (violence, stealing the flag from you, etc.) if you do it. By burning the flag, you're showing a massive amount of disrespect for the country. That's going to pit people against you pretty fast. Also, I will laugh at you if you end up catching yourself on fire, but I am strongly against making it illegal to burn the flag.

Answer 4

The fairness doctrine grew out of concern that because of the large number of applications for radio station being submitted and the limited number of frequencies available, broadcasters should make sure they did not use their stations simply as advocates with a singular perspective. Rather, they must allow all points of view. That requirement was to be enforced by FCC mandate.
http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/F/htmlF/fairnessdoct/fairnessdoct.htm


hmmmm no wonder lib bashers have such a problem with it!

as far as flag burning....find something else that is made in china to protect!

Answer 5

Actually if you look it up a action is a form speech so in other words (as much as this makes me sick to say) the burning of the flag should be allowed as it is protected under our freedom of speech. You cant take that so litererally because Freedom of Speech does not just mean talking, it can be written, verbal, actions, ect.. ect... This is the way our laws were written.

I am not for the burning of the flag at all but i do believe in our freedoms and that is a freedom. You have to take the good with the bad!

Answer 6

Flag burning is banned in three countries, Cuba, Iran, and North Korea. Those are not countries I would like to have policies shaped after.

I agree the fairness doctrine does limit free speech. My radio and television have on off buttons and the ability to change the channel.

If more people would use these features we would need far less oversight by the federal government.

Answer 7

I'm all in favor of putting all talk show jockeys in a room and letting them yell at each other so long they pop their vocal cords.
In fact, that way I can avoid their blather, so it won't bother me a bit if they want to exercise that free speech thing to the max. I never said flag burning is OK, but neither do I see it as some sort of assault on honor. Its a flag, no other country makes such a fuss, they understand a country is more than a cloth. Respect it, sure....turn it into a religious icon, no.

Answer 8

"How can you say flag burning (which isn't even speech) is protected...?"

"Freedom of speech" implicitly grants freedom of expression. Flag burning is a form of expressing one's self.

"...yet this Fairness Doctrine (which FORCES talk radio personalities to change their shows) isn't violating host's right to free speech?"

The FCC discontinued the Fairness Doctrine in 1987. However, "The fairness doctrine remains just beneath the surface of concerns over broadcasting and cablecasting, and some members of congress continue to threaten to pass it into legislation."(1) I don't personally support it, because it is government regulation of speech; but I do think the airwaves should be returned to the PUBLIC, instead of belonging to corporations.

Answer 9

Flag burning is an individual form of expression. Free speech is enhanced by allowing it.

Radio stations and other media are powerful forms of public expression to which access is quite limited. Free speech is enhanced by ensuring that certain political groups can not buy out exclusive access to that media in one particular geographic region.

I think your question confuses free speech with the free market. Liberals like myself obviously think the former should serve the latter, and not vice versa.

Answer 10

When the elected officials trample the rights of its citizens, refuse to listen to the people that gave them the power and in many ways internationally disgrace our nation, then expressing that shame and betrayal by burning one of it's symbols is about all you have left to do to show your anger and disdain. I am proud to be an American but I am ashamed of our leadership and torching a flag seems like a better solution than a coup.